Reports Of Explosions Lead To Fire At Concord Homeless Camp

CONCORD, NH — Concord fire and rescue teams as well as police were sent to a homeless camp underneath the bridge for a report of explosions and a fire on Thursday.

Just before 3 p.m., 911 began receiving calls about pops and explosion sounds as well as black smoke coming from the area of Gas and Water streets. Capital fire dispatch reported being able to see it from a camera and they were getting reports of explosions, too. Police officers also reported seeing the black smoke while in the field.

When firefighters arrived, they reported fire at the camp, mainly from trash and brush burning, and called off other teams, saying they would be able to put it out. They did, however, call for police backup, noting that there were "improvised structures" that would need assistance with.

After about 20 minutes, the battalion commander said they had the fire under control.

There were also no injuries reported and the commander said there was no damage to the bridge from the explosions or fire.

Firefighters cleared the area at around 3:30 p.m. Fire prevention stayed on to find out what caused the explosions and fire. At post time, the cause is unknown.

The camp was featured in the Patch story, "'Welcome To Hell': Concord Homeless Camp Growth Raises Concerns," published in June 2020, after several fires were set off at homeless camps around the city last year — including the one that was on fire on Thursday.

The area between Weed Family Automotive, the Capitol Shopping Center, the old liquor store, to Water Street, is scheduled to be cleared and cleaned next week as part of a project spearheaded by Kathie Slowe of Brixmor, the owner of a shopping center.

NEWS 603 posted video on YouTube.com.

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